Evaluation of Gossypium herbaceum Leaf Powder's Nutritional Composition and Nutraceutical Properties

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the proximate composition, phytochemical profile, and anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Gossypium herbaceum leaf powder (GLP). The fresh leaves of the G. herbaceum were collected, cleansed with fresh water, drained and allowed to dry in the shade, ground to GLP and analysed. The crude fibre (42.93%) and nitrogen-free extract (36.46 %) have a relatively high proportion in GLP; while ash (2.47%) has the lowest proportion. The GLP has relatively high phenol (219.20 mg/g) when compared to flavonoids (81.03 mg/g), tannins (69.56 mg/g), saponins (66.67 mg/g) and alkaloids (55.80 mg/g). The α-amylase inhibition and α-glucosidase inhibition of GLP were 48.45% and 30.68%, respectively. The percentage of albumin denaturation inhibition and anti-proteinase activity of GLP was 22.88% and 43.87%, respectively. The lipid peroxidation inhibition, vitamin C, Fe chelation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl were 35.43%, 23.87%, 11.76% and 88.16%, respectively. GLP exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties.